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RNLI crew makes no apologies for saving lives in English Channel RNLI crew makes no apologies for saving lives in English Channel
(about 1 hour later)
The RNLI said it saved the lives of 58 migrants last yearThe RNLI said it saved the lives of 58 migrants last year
Lifeboat crew members who are called out to migrants crossing the Channel in small boats have told the BBC they make no apologies for saving lives at sea.Lifeboat crew members who are called out to migrants crossing the Channel in small boats have told the BBC they make no apologies for saving lives at sea.
The RNLI has faced accusations that it is acting as a "taxi service" for people trying to enter the UK illegally.The RNLI has faced accusations that it is acting as a "taxi service" for people trying to enter the UK illegally.
But its members said they will react to any incident they are asked to by the Coastguard and will go to the aid of anyone in trouble on or in the water.But its members said they will react to any incident they are asked to by the Coastguard and will go to the aid of anyone in trouble on or in the water.
Last year, lifeboat crews responded 114 times to small boats - representing just over 1% of their total call-outs across the UK and Ireland. The charity said it has saved the lives of 58 migrants, including children.Last year, lifeboat crews responded 114 times to small boats - representing just over 1% of their total call-outs across the UK and Ireland. The charity said it has saved the lives of 58 migrants, including children.
Paula Lain, who works as a management consultant when she's not volunteering for the RNLI, said: "When our pager goes, we're not thinking anything political.Paula Lain, who works as a management consultant when she's not volunteering for the RNLI, said: "When our pager goes, we're not thinking anything political.
"We're all thinking about people. We're actively compassionate. That's what drives us beyond any moral or civic responsibility."We're all thinking about people. We're actively compassionate. That's what drives us beyond any moral or civic responsibility.
"When we're tasked, we don't know what we're going to be tasked to. We're there to help people in their most distressing times.""When we're tasked, we don't know what we're going to be tasked to. We're there to help people in their most distressing times."
RNLI volunteer Paula Lain says the RNLI doesn't think politically when the pager goesRNLI volunteer Paula Lain says the RNLI doesn't think politically when the pager goes
The RNLI has released harrowing images of an incident in which 19 people had to be pulled from the sea after the dinghy they were in capsized. It said it wants to provide an insight into the reality facing its volunteer crews.The RNLI has released harrowing images of an incident in which 19 people had to be pulled from the sea after the dinghy they were in capsized. It said it wants to provide an insight into the reality facing its volunteer crews.
The images show the crew throwing what are called horse shoes – effectively mini life jackets – into the sea.The images show the crew throwing what are called horse shoes – effectively mini life jackets – into the sea.
But on seeing the lifeboat, many of those in the water decide to swim directly to it, and they are hauled on board.But on seeing the lifeboat, many of those in the water decide to swim directly to it, and they are hauled on board.
Some collapse with exhaustion, others need immediate medical attention. The lifeboat already had 68 people on board from an earlier incident.Some collapse with exhaustion, others need immediate medical attention. The lifeboat already had 68 people on board from an earlier incident.
RNLI volunteer Dan Sinclair says what they see in the English Channel has a profound impactRNLI volunteer Dan Sinclair says what they see in the English Channel has a profound impact
Everyone rescued by the RNLI in this incident in August 2023 survived - but six people pulled from the water by other vessels who responded to the emergency lost their lives.Everyone rescued by the RNLI in this incident in August 2023 survived - but six people pulled from the water by other vessels who responded to the emergency lost their lives.
RNLI crew members said they have faced accusations that they are facilitating illegal immigration.RNLI crew members said they have faced accusations that they are facilitating illegal immigration.
But volunteer Dan Sinclair says what they see in the Channel has a profound impact on them.But volunteer Dan Sinclair says what they see in the Channel has a profound impact on them.
He recalls one recent rescue, telling the BBC: "There was a little girl on that boat.He recalls one recent rescue, telling the BBC: "There was a little girl on that boat.
"When we took that little girl - who was probably four years old - off that boat, she looked at me straight in the eye and she said 'Thank you. I love you.'""When we took that little girl - who was probably four years old - off that boat, she looked at me straight in the eye and she said 'Thank you. I love you.'"
You can see more about the rescue on the new series of 'Saving Lives at Sea' on BBC Two on Thursday at 20:00 BST and on iPlayer.You can see more about the rescue on the new series of 'Saving Lives at Sea' on BBC Two on Thursday at 20:00 BST and on iPlayer.
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
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